In 2024, an ice cream suddenly appeared in select convenience stores (Konbini) across Japan, causing a stir on social media with its unique texture and rich flavor. That ice cream was part of the “Milcrea” series, produced by the famous Japanese ice cream manufacturer Akagi Nyugyo.
Among the series, the “Milcrea Tenku no Matcha®,” which garnered enthusiastic support, is returning to supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide in Japan starting January 27, 2026. Moreover, this isn’t just a simple re-release. It is returning with an increased amount of matcha, achieving an even “richer taste.”
When it was previously released, many people couldn’t find the product due to its overwhelming popularity. This time, distribution channels have been expanded, offering a chance for those who missed out before to finally get their hands on it. Japan’s convenience stores are a fiercely competitive battleground where new products appear almost weekly, so the revival of this item is long-awaited news for many fans.
The Fusion of Rich Matcha and Unique Elastic Milk
The defining feature of the “Milcrea” series lies in the texture of the milk ice hidden inside. Unlike the texture often found in standard ice bars where you can feel ice crystals, this product possesses a unique elasticity described in Japanese as “munyu” (squishy or chewy). It brings to mind the sticky softness of Mochi (rice cake), a distinct texture favored in Japan.
This product encases that milk ice—which spreads a rich milky flavor throughout your mouth—within a shell of flavorful matcha ice. The outer matcha ice is not just any matcha flavor. It exclusively uses “Ichibancha” (first flush tea) of “Tenku no Matcha®” (Matcha of the Sky), grown in the mountainous regions of Shizuoka Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading tea-producing areas.
The biggest point of this renewal is the increased amount of matcha. “Tenku no Matcha®” is originally characterized by its rich aroma, deep sweetness, and moderate bitterness, but improvements have been made to further draw out its potential. The matcha ice with increased richness and the rich milk ice that holds its own against it—the moment these two mix in your mouth is truly a blissful time that can only be experienced with Milcrea.
Why “Tenku no Matcha®” is Chosen and Its Background
Let’s explain a bit more about the “Tenku no Matcha®” used in this product.
“Tenku no Matcha®” is a matcha brand using tea leaves cultivated in the nature-rich mountainous regions of Shizuoka. It’s not just that it’s made in the mountains; to maximize the umami (savory taste), a very labor-intensive farming method called “Shaded Cultivation” (covering the tea plants) is adopted.
By growing tea leaves while blocking sunlight, Theanine, an umami component, increases, while astringency components are suppressed. The Tencha (tea leaves used as raw material for matcha) grown this way is carefully stone-ground into fine powder, creating the full-bodied aroma and deep flavor inherent to matcha.
In the ice cream section of Japanese convenience stores, there aren’t many products where you can feel such a commitment to authentic ingredients. Despite the affordable price setting of 216 yen, the selection of ingredients comparable to specialty shops shows Akagi Nyugyo’s extraordinary passion.
Product Details
Here is a summary of the basic information. The release date is January 27, 2026. The product name is “Milcrea Tenku no Matcha®,” and it is classified as “Ice Milk.”
The volume is 85 milliliters (approx. 2.87 fl oz), and the energy content is 198 kilocalories (kcal). The suggested retail price is 216 yen (tax included), and it will be sold at stores nationwide in Japan.
A Lottery Campaign Incorporating Japanese Wordplay
A giveaway campaign where you can win “Milcrea Tenku no Matcha®” will be held on Akagi Nyugyo’s official X (formerly Twitter) and official Instagram.
What’s interesting is the number of winners. It is set at “Total 10 + 9 people.” This is a pun (wordplay) linking the numbers 10 (Ten) and 9 (Ku) to the product name “Tenku.” Including humor in such small details is a very Akagi Nyugyo-esque point, fitting for a company with the corporate message “Asobimasho.” (Let’s play).
The campaign period is from 10:00 AM on Monday, January 26, 2026, to 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 1. To enter via X, follow the “Akagi Nyugyo” official account and repost the target campaign post. For Instagram, follow the “Akagi Nyugyo” official account and “Like” the target campaign post. Winners will receive a set of 10 Milcrea Tenku no Matcha® bars.
Instagram:＠akagi_ice
Since it starts on January 26, the day before the release, it’s a good way to build excitement for the launch.
Advice for Travelers Visiting Japan
When it became a hot topic previously, screams of “It’s sold out everywhere!” were seen scattered across SNS, but this time, with a nationwide release, the difficulty of obtaining it should be lower. However, given that it has powered up to become even more delicious, the possibility of it attracting a new fan base and becoming a battle for availability cannot be denied.
If you like matcha sweets, and if you are captivated by that unique texture, please take a look into the ice cream cases at Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets after the release date. The harmony of the intensified matcha and rich milk is perfect for soothing the fatigue of travel.
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